Meeting Mark: King's Mama
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I had seen the play in Miami before, and I must say, Mark's performance was just as wonderful, if not more so. They've added little nice touches, like Michael sitting on the floor and Lily coming over to him and brushing the hair from his face... very motherly and soft. Mark's emotional range was brilliant, as always. He's funny, charming, and yet an open book on pain and suffering of his character, without over-doing it at all. Although I still love his work as Luke, I must say, he was really born to be on the stage in live theater. You just can't miss the joy he has performing and the joy he brings to his audience.
I told the theater desk at my hotel that it was the best play we've ever seen on Broadway and encouraged them to suggest it to their other guests!
I went to the Saturday afternoon show along with my Mom, Michelle (who lives in Brooklyn), and her Mom. After the show, we waited outside to see Mark, and he did come out and talk to his fans. There were about 15-20 people anxiously waiting for him. He gave his undivided attention to us all. What a wonderful man!! He's so down-to-earth and gracious, I just can't say enough!!
While he signed my Mom's Playbill, she told him we had been down to Miami, and he said, "Oh, I thought you looked familiar! -- You are from Minnesota!" I mean WOW -- we only went once in Miami and only met him once!! We (my Mom and I) were the only two people there (you may remember, my Mom wrote him a letter behind my back and he held onto it until that night in Miami). I remember very little detail because I was in such a stupor -- a real daze. Here's this man I had adored for over 20 years... talking to me, being so kind... I was definitely emotional... it was just too much. This time in NY, everything was clear, and he made me feel very much at ease. However, the dazed feeling did come later...
After I had my Playbill signed, I got out of the way so others could have their time with him. He kept talking to us all when the autographs were done, so I asked him if I could get a picture taken with him. Of course, he was so kind and put his arm around me. After the picture, I thanked him and told him how truly talented he was and how his character touched me. He seemed truly happy to hear that, and he said, "Thank you, Sweetheart!" and planted one right on the lips. (Here's where the dazed feeling came back in). I THINK I walked away from him, but I don't really remember. My Mom and friends saw it and their reaction was, "Oh no... we're never going to hear the end of this the rest of the trip!" (they were right...).
So once again, what a wonderful experience!! I am so happy and proud to say I am a Mark Hamill fan.